Advice Line with Lara Merriken of LÄRABAR

How I Built This · 17 Oct 2024 · 50m

What this episode covers

Lara Merriken, founder of LÄRABAR and co-founder of Anther, joins Guy Raz to advise three early-stage founders on scaling, retail strategy, and fundraising. Alison Rep of Joy Breeders seeks advice on maintaining brand authenticity while expanding into larger retail channels, with Lara and Guy suggesting she focus on product stability and specific retail placement rather than abstract brand values. Mariano Questam of Maax Brands struggles to enter major retail buyers' doors with his caffeinated gum, receiving advice to clarify his product's value proposition and target specific user tribes like athletes. Finally, Lauretta Nakocha of Lauretta British Ginger T asks how to fundraise as a solo founder, with suggestions to leverage her storytelling through crowdfunding and direct community asks.

Mentioned

Companies
Joy Breeders, Maax Brands, Lauretta British Ginger T, Anther, General Mills, Whole Foods, Lucky's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Spanx, Sun bum, GNC, Starbucks
Products
LÄRABAR, Max Caffeine Gum, Max Caffeine Mint
Also
Expo East, Utopia now, Kickstarter

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